USDA Notices Sent On Yields, Acreage

Alabama farmers should soon receive written notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on current base acres, yields and a 2009-2012 planting history.

Farmers should cross-check the USDA letter with farm records. If correct, no further action is needed. If the letter is incomplete or incorrect, contact a local FSA office.

“Verifying the farm acreage history in the letter is extremely important because it is required to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs,” Alabama Farmers Federation Director of National Legislative Programs Mitt Walker said.

Later this summer, farmers will be able to update crop yield information and reallocate base acres.

By mid-winter, all producers on a farm will be required to make a one-time, unanimous and irrevocable election between price protection and county revenue protection or individual revenue protection for the 2014-2018 crop years. Producers can expect to sign contracts for ARC or PLC for the 2014 and 2015 crop years in the spring of 2015.

The one change affecting Alabama farmers is upland cotton no longer being covered under these programs. Instead, it will be included in the new Stacked Income Protection Program (STAX).